West Ham United manager David Moyes has heaped glowing praise on midfielder Declan Rice after his stunning goal against Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
The Hammers booked their place in the competition’s semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate win and a 4-1 second-leg victory, with Michail Antonio scoring goals either side of finishes from Lucas Paqueta (penalty) and Rice.
West Ham captain Rice made it 3-1 within two minutes of Paqueta’s second-half penalty, dribbling the ball 60 yards from his own half into the Gent penalty area before providing a superb finish to seal the tie for David Moyes’ side.
READ MORE: West Ham receive double fresh injury boost ahead of Gent and Bournemouth fixtures
Speaking on the goal, Moyes thought it summed up Rice’s performance, comparing the goal to the Roy of the Rovers comic book series.
“It was a fabulous goal, an individual sort of Roy of the Rovers type of goal,” said Moyes.
“You dribble, you beat somebody and do it again and you go on and score. He’s some player, great ability and that goal just summed him up tonight.”
For Rice, it was just his third goal of the season in all competitions, with his other two being excellent long-range strikes in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest and Southampton.
The gliding run and finish was not something that Rice has done yet so far this season which resulted in a goal for him, but Moyes was far from surprised by it, saying anyone that is is native to think that way.
“If anybody didn’t think that he could do that, then they’re completely naive and don’t watch close enough if that’s the case,” Moyes added.
“He is some player and that’s why we value him so highly here.
READ NEXT
West Ham dealt fresh blow as Gianluca Scamacca injury extent confirmed after operation in Italy
Nikola Vlasic’s struggles, Conor Coventry’s minutes, Nathan Trott’s form - West Ham loan latest
Arthur Masuaku posts classy Twitter message after permanent West Ham transfer exit is confirmed
How West Ham’s next fixtures compare to Everton, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Leicester
West Ham dealt fresh blow as Gianluca Scamacca injury extent confirmed after operation in Italy
